Protesters united in opposition to station

VALLEYS communities have united to oppose a bid for a biomass power station.

VALLEYS communities have united to oppose a bid for a biomass power station.

Morgan Credit Energy Wales has submitted plans for a plant with an electrical output of 25 megawatts on the site of the old coal-fired Llynfi power station near Llangynwyd.

The Llynfi Environmental Action Forum (Leaf) has been set up by community councillors and residents of Llangynwyd, Blaengarw, Aberkenfig, Coytrahen, Ynysawdre, Tondu, Bettws and Maesteg, strongly opposing the plans and lobbying politicians to object.

The proposed biomass power station could use virgin timber and clean wood waste as fuel to generate sufficient energy to potentially power approximately 53,000 houses or all the homes in the Bridgend borough. It would be an extension on the developer’s current planning permission for a 10MW station on the site.

Issa Sawabini – managing director of Morgan Credit – said the plant would have “no negative impact” on the area’s natural beauty.

He described the Leaf group as “pathetic” and said their objections were “very silly”.

“We have taken every reasonable measure, and it’s a pity this group is taking this negative angle,” said Mr Sawabini.

“They are not bringing up anything serious, and are being very unreasonable.

“This is a building of first class, it’s a pity these people don’t recognise this.”

Marc Weinzweig – a scientist and member of Leaf – said the plant would “blight” an area of natural beauty and cause pollution and noise.

“The Llynfi Valley used to be black and smoky and now it’s a tourist feature and this could put people off coming here,” he said.

“We are not against green energy, we support that, and we know everyone objects to these things on their doorstep – it’s not about that.

“But it has to be done in the right way and this is not. These magnificent views will be blighted by an unsightly power station with plumes throwing out pollutants from a huge chimney stack.”

The group, which meets every week, is concerned that the port of entry, which ought to be as close to the plant as possible, would be Newport.

Mr Sawabini said all materials would be brought in by rail and the company would only employ 20-25 people so there would not be extra traffic, but Leaf questioned what would happen until the rail link was in place.

The group also said wood is in short supply for the 1,000 plants around the world and the type of wood used was easily flammable.

“All the biomass plants are competing for this finite resource,” said Mr Weinzweig.

“It is known biomass plants in the UK are currently operating at 50% to 60% capacity due to a supply issue. Adding another will surely exacerbate the problem.

“Woodchip does not need a spark or flame to ignite and is susceptible to spontaneous combustion. The consequences of a biomass induced fire in the leafy Llynfi Valley doesn’t bear thinking about.”

Mr Sawabini said the Environment Agency was satisfied requirements were being fulfilled.

But Mr Weinzweig said the group would continue to lobby councillors, AMs and MPs and seek support from similar action groups.

He said: “Let’s hope that BCBC unanimously rejects this application along with its misleading green credentials.”

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